Going away for an extended period during a New Brunswick winter is a situation that requires careful planning for your hot tub. The cold climate that makes Arctic Spas spas so well-suited to year-round use also means that an unattended spa faces real freeze risk if the heating and freeze protection systems are not properly maintained.
TL;DR
- Never turn off power to your hot tub during a New Brunswick winter
- The freeze protection system requires power to function
- Ask a trusted person to check the spa and cover at least weekly during extended absences
- Adjust the temperature set point down slightly to reduce operating costs while maintaining protection
- Shock and balance water before leaving; sanitizer will last longer in a low-use spa
The Freeze Risk Is Real in New Brunswick
New Brunswick winters include extended periods of sustained sub-zero temperatures — often -15C to -25C for days or weeks at a time. A hot tub exposed to these temperatures without active heating and freeze protection will freeze within hours to days, depending on the insulation quality and outdoor conditions.
Freeze damage — cracked pipes, split fittings, damaged pumps — is expensive and not covered under warranty when it results from the freeze protection system being disabled. Protecting the spa during winter absences is not optional.
Never Cut Power During Winter
The freeze protection system in an Arctic Spas hot tub works by activating the circulation pump when temperatures inside the plumbing approach freezing. This requires the spa to be powered. Turning off the breaker or disconnecting power eliminates this protection entirely.
Even if you are trying to save electricity during an absence, the risk of freeze damage far exceeds any savings from powering down. Leave the spa powered at all times through the winter, including during extended vacations.
Lowering the Set Temperature
You can reduce electricity use during an absence by lowering the temperature set point to 30C to 35C — warm enough that the freeze protection system maintains its protective margin, but lower than the normal soaking temperature. This reduces how frequently the heater runs to maintain temperature.
Many Arctic Spas models also have an economy or vacation mode that handles this automatically. Set it before leaving if your model supports it.
Arrange for Someone to Check the Spa
Have a trusted person — a neighbor, family member, or house-sitter — check on the spa at least once per week during an extended absence. They should confirm: the spa is powered, the display shows an active temperature and no error codes, the cover is properly in place and undamaged, and there is no unusual sound from the equipment.
If a power outage occurs while you are away, the spa will not maintain temperature. A contact who can check the spa after an outage and confirm it has powered back on properly can prevent freeze damage that would occur if power restoration is delayed.
Preparing Water Chemistry Before Leaving
Shock and balance the water the day before departure. A well-shocked spa with correct chemistry will maintain water quality through several weeks of low use without deteriorating significantly — there are no bathers adding organic load, so sanitizer demand is minimal.
Salt water system users can verify the cell is operating correctly and producing chlorine. The continuous low-level chlorine production from the salt cell helps maintain water quality without attention during your absence.
Cover Condition and Snow Load
Ensure the cover is in good condition and latched securely before leaving. A properly latched cover stays in place during wind events that would otherwise lift or displace it.
If heavy snowfall is expected during your absence, have the person checking on the spa clear accumulated snow from the cover. Very heavy snow loads stress the cover structure and can cause bowing that compromises the perimeter seal.
What to Do When You Return
When you return, check the control panel for any error codes that occurred during your absence. Test the water chemistry and adjust as needed before soaking. If the water has been sitting for more than three weeks, a shock treatment is advisable even if sanitizer readings appear adequate.
If the spa experienced a freeze event during your absence — indicated by error codes, ice in the spa, or unusual sounds from the equipment — contact Poolboy service before attempting to use the spa. A service assessment can identify any damage before it is made worse by operation.
Fully Draining as an Alternative
For absences longer than a month, or in situations where having someone check the spa is not possible, a full drain and winterization is an alternative to leaving the spa powered. A proper winterization involves draining all water from the shell, plumbing, and equipment, and protecting the plumbing with non-toxic antifreeze.
This is a more involved process that should be done correctly to avoid freeze damage to residual water. Poolboy offers winterization service for owners who prefer not to do this themselves or who want professional assurance that it has been done properly.
New Brunswick Perspective
The call we most dread at Poolboy is from a customer returning from a two-week vacation to discover their spa froze because they turned off the breaker before leaving. This happens regularly, and the repair costs are significant — often in the thousands of dollars for cracked plumbing and damaged equipment. Leave the spa powered. Arrange for a check. The electricity cost for two weeks at reduced temperature is far less than any freeze damage repair.
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